Definite Article Examples in Sentence

Definite Article

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What Is the Definite Article? (with Examples)

The definite article is the word "the." It is used before a noun to define it as something specific (e.g., something previously mentioned or known, something unique, or something being identified by the speaker).

I'm the pirate.
Can we go to the park?

The definite article contrasts with the indefinite article ("a" or "an"), which defines something as unspecific (e.g., something generic or something mentioned for the first time).

I'm a pirate.
Can we go to a park?

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A Video Summary

Here is a video summarizing this lesson on the definite article.

Why Should I Care about Definite Articles?

There are two commonly discussed issues related to definite articles.

(Issue 1) Writing a job title or an office name with a capital letter.

A job title (e.g., "president," "judge," "director") or the name of office ("parliament," "court," "accounts section") is given a capital letter when it refers to a specific person or office (i.e., when it's a proper noun). So, when the definite article (i.e., "the") appears before such a title or name, there's a pretty good chance you'll need a capital letter.

Here's the guidance: If the job title or office name is being used for its dictionary definition (i.e., as a common noun), then don't use a capital letter. However, if the job title or office name nails it down to one specific person or office (i.e., it is used as a proper noun), then use a capital letter.

(Issue 2) Capitalizing the "The" that starts a name (e.g., The Beatles).

Some names (particularly band names) start with "The" (e.g., "The Beatles," "The Rolling Stones," "The Sex Pistols"). When such names appear in running text, you have a choice whether to write "The" (with a capital letter) or "the." As there is no consensus among the leading style guides on this point, you can go with your preference. Remember that we are talking about a name in running text. In a formal list of names or a reference, you'd have to use "The."

It is useful to think of an opening "The" as being only loosely bound to its name because there will be times when you ought to drop it.

Did you download the Bastille album?
Did you download the The Clash album?
Did you download the Clash album?

It is worth bearing in mind that this issue could affect you with foreign names with an opening "The".

Gina Vitale: It's called "The La Trattoria".
Michael Felgate: "The La Trattoria" means The The Trattoria.
Gina Vitale: I know.

With a bit more clarity of thought, the owner of "The La Trattoria" would probably have registered it as "La Trattoria".

Does it disturb anyone else that "The Los Angeles Angels" baseball team translates directly as "The The Angels Angels"? (Unknown)

Key Points

A job title (e.g., "President") or an office name (e.g., "Parliament") is written with a capital letter when it specifies a unique person or office (i.e., is not just the dictionary definition of that word). When such a name does specifically refer to a unique person or office, it will very likely be preceded by "the."
When a name starts with "The" (e.g., "The Who"), you can write "the Who" or "The Who" as you think looks best (when it's in flowing text).

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Definite Article Examples in Sentence